Facial plastic surgeon Anil Shah shares his insider forecastโ€”from pre-emptive facelifts to wellness-based beauty routinesโ€”set to shape the year ahead.


Upcoming trends in plastic surgery are expected to shift toward more integrated, full-face rejuvenation and an increase in preventative surgical procedures among younger patients, according to Chicago-based facial plastic surgeon Anil Shah, MD, FACS.

His top five projections for 2026 indicate a move away from isolated corrections and toward procedures that provide natural-looking results while incorporating wellness and advanced non-surgical technologies.

1. A Move Toward Full-Face Rejuvenation

According to the Shah, patients are increasingly seeking to address the entire faceโ€”including the eyes, brows, cheeks, jawline, and neckโ€”rather than focusing on single problem areas. This approach aims to create harmonious and subtle outcomes.

โ€œThe goal is to look like yourselfโ€”but 15 to 20 years younger,โ€ says Shah, in a release. โ€œPatients want subtle, natural improvements, not drastic changes.โ€ He notes that celebrity influence has shifted patient expectations toward enhancing natural beauty and respecting the aging process. โ€œTodayโ€™s aesthetics help patients look great at any age without looking artificial,โ€ he says.

2. The Rise of the Pre-Emptive Facelift

A significant trend is the growing number of patients under 50 opting for deep plane facelifts. This demographic is choosing to undergo surgical procedures earlier as a preventative measure rather than waiting to correct more advanced signs of aging. Factors driving this shift include social media influence, a preventative beauty culture, and the aesthetic effects of new GLP-1 medications.

โ€œWhile non-surgical treatments have their place, nothing lifts and tightens skin quite like surgery,โ€ says Shah in a release.

3. Pairing Procedures with Non-Surgical Options

The forecast also points to the increased layering of non-surgical and surgical treatments. Lasers, fillers, and skin-tightening technologies are being used to complement and enhance surgical results. โ€œLayering treatments intelligently creates a refreshed, youthful look,โ€ says Shah, in a release. โ€œThough these donโ€™t replace surgery, they can enhance overall results.โ€

4. A Move to Inside-Out Aesthetics

Alongside procedural pairings, an “inside-out” approach is gaining traction, he says. This involves incorporating supplements, peptides, and lifestyle optimization to support internal health, which can improve healing and final outcomes.

โ€œPatients have realized that true beauty starts from within,โ€ says Shah in a release. โ€œA healthier body means faster healing and better results.โ€

5. Prioritizing Safety in Combined Treatments

As patients seek multiple treatments, a focus on safety through moderation and advanced technology is critical. The trend emphasizes minimizing risks and complications associated with combined procedures.

โ€œLess is more. Using gentler lasers and spacing treatments reduces complications like swelling and pigmentation,โ€ says Shah in a release.

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